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 Our InstructorsAt AKKA our instructors are professionals who have been trained to offer the highest
quality in martial art instruction. All instructors are certified through our Leadership Training Seminar. The focus of our team is to perpetuate the enthusiasm we have for our martial arts training by instilling this passion in our students. We do this by cultivating an attitude of winning. Every member of our instructor team is approachable, caring, and possesses a true love for teaching martial arts. After taking just a few lessons, you will see why AKKA KARATE USA is the school of choice for martial arts. Here is a little bit of information about our Instructor Team… Thomas Burt, 5th Degree Black Belt
Master Instructor Owner/Manager Mr. Burt began his training at AKKA in 1995. With previous experience in Tae Kwon Do and Tai Chi he brought a strong base to his Kenpo training. After two years he became an instructor and in 1998 and 1999 was awarded Instructor of the year by his teacher, Mr. Curt Hewitt, and AKKA’s president, the now late, Grandmaster Bill Packer. In December of 1999 Mr. Burt was entrusted with the rank of First Degree Black Belt. In January, 2001 Mr. Burt inherited AKKA’s Independence school from Mr. Hewitt and began studying under the KC regional director, Mr. Rick Gibbins. In 2003 Mr. Burt was awarded school owner of the year by Master Packer and continues studying to this day under Mr. Gibbins instruction, who, himself, has over 30 years experience in Kenpo Karate. Mr. Burt currently holds the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt. Mr. Burt is married to his wonderful wife, Dee and is the proud father of his 7 year old son, Joshua, who also trains at AKKA. In addition to his martial arts training and teaching, Mr. Burt enjoys weightlifting, cycling, reading, watching movies and learning to play the Native American style flute. One of his favorite quotes is by author Bill Perkins, “Living like a warrior means embracing the inevitability of hardship rather than fleeing from it; for the identity of a warrior is not destroyed by adversity; it is strengthened through it.” Matt Clark, 4th Degree Black Belt
Lead Instructor Mr. Clark began his training at AKKA when he was 5 years old, with his father. Now 26, he currently holds the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt. He teams with Mr. Pearce in running our Tue/Thu adult beginner classes and assists in the adult advanced classes as well. He has been awarded Student of the Month as well as Best Adult Student and Instructor of the Year. Mr. Clark is a licensed pilot who enjoys flying single engine planes. As well he is a devoted uncle to his nephew, JT. He also enjoys running and putting himself through whatever physical challenges Mr. Burt can come up with. Shannon Pearce, 2nd Degree Black Belt
Lead Instructor Mr. Pearce is a second degree Black Belt and began training at AKKA in 2005 with his son, Tommy and daughter, Maddie, who are both Black Belts as well . His skill in learning and his enthusiasm for the art led him to begin assisting Mr. Burt in teaching classes. He currently runs our adult beginner classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Upon completion of AKKA’s Leadership Training Class he began leading classes on his own and has since become Mr. Burt’s Lead Instructor. He was awarded Instructor of the Year in 2008. His undying enthusiasm for Kenpo and his loyal support of AKKA has also earned him awards for Student of the Month, Best Adult Student and Most Supportive Family. Mr. Pearce hopes to one day open his own school under AKKA. In addition to his Kenpo training Mr. Pearce enjoys playing lead guitar and keyboards in his band “Lost Hotel” as well as challenging himself with various fitness activities like bodybuilding and mud running. |
